U.S. State Department issues travel alert for all of Europe

The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for citizens visiting Europe this holiday season, urging people to take caution around Christmas markets and other tourist-dense areas. (Chesnot/Getty Images)

An increased threat of terrorism was cited by the U.S. State Department in its 2017-2018 holiday travel alert for the entire continent of Europe.

The State Department's Travel Alert for Europe is effective immediately and lasts until Jan. 31. It specifically noted last year's ISIS-fueled attacks at a Christmas market in Berlin and an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Eve.

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"While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks," the alert reads. "U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."

The warning, issued last week, also cited attacks this year. The car attacks on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, at a department store in Stockholm, and over the summer in Barcelona, as well as the April bombing on a St. Petersburg metro system and a similar incident in London several months later, were all mentioned.

This summer saw a rise of nearly 30% more Americans visiting France from the year before and 37% more in London. (BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images)

"Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets," the State Department's cautioning continues. "In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations."

The warning is the second consecutive travel alert issued by the State Department for U.S. citizens touring Europe over the holidays, citing nearly the exact same reasons and information this year, Condé Nast Traveler reported. The notice is similar to the one extended to the whole continent this summer. That alert expires on Nov. 30.

Deadly shooting at Istanbul nightclub

European tourism has rebounded since its initial decline two years ago after a November night of shootings and bombings in Paris claimed by ISIS killed 130 people. This summer saw a rise of nearly 30% more Americans visiting France from the year before, 37% in London and about 8% more in Stockholm, according to research conducted by international travel insurance agency Allianz Global Assistance.

While the State Department's travel alert should be taken seriously and its advice heeded in earnest, it's not the same as an official travel warning — which is used during times of continuous terrorist threats, civil wars and political instability. Taking precautions like signing up for the U.S. government's Safe Traveler Enrollment Program and knowing where the closest embassy or consulate is to where you're staying are all key in remaining safe and well-informed while abroad.